Process

Areas of Exceptional Contribution

Each Area is designed to encompass a broad range of theatre-making. From traditional plays to new forms of theatre yet to be explored, the new Areas will allow us to recognise the evolving landscape immediately, ensuring nothing award-worthy falls between the gaps of rigid categories with specific remits.

Each Area will have its own clearly defined and transparent common language for assessment, but our panel will have greater flexibility to nominate any creative who demonstrates exceptional contributions to their work. In addition, there will be no fixed number of winners each year. Our panel will award all creative output that meets the standard.

1) Production

Contributors covered: Producer, Associate Producer

A powerful, unforgettable production where every element—performance, design, direction, and tech—works in harmony. It transcends limitations, resonates with audiences, and feels greater than the sum of its parts: a landmark theatrical achievement.

2) Staging

Contributors covered: Director, Movement Director, Choreographer, Fight Director, Intimacy Co-Ordinator, etc

A bold, unified vision that fuses movement, performance, and design into a distinctive theatrical language. Space, rhythm, and pace are used masterfully to create emotionally and intellectually resonant experiences that break through the fourth wall.

3) Performance

Contributors covered: Performer (Musical, Play, Cabaret, Panto, etc), Ensemble, Instrumentalist (Violinist, Guitar Soloist, etc), Dancer/Mover.

An exceptional ensemble where each performer is deeply committed, emotionally nuanced, and technically precise. Vocal, physical, and emotional expression coalesce into a cohesive whole that elevates the production and leaves audiences spellbound.

4) Design

Contributors covered: Set Designer, Hat Maker, Hair & Wig Co-Ordinator, Video Designer, Lighting Designer, etc

Design that fully immerses the audience, enriching the story through thoughtful use of space, time, and character. Every element—whether minimal or elaborate—is integral to the production’s concept and atmosphere, not just supportive but transformative.

5) Sound & Music

Contributors covered: Sound Designer, Composer, DJ, Musical Director, etc

Original and finely crafted musical contributions that elevate the production’s mood and storytelling. Strong musical direction ensures cohesion, emotional depth, and a dynamic soundscape that enhances the entire theatrical experience.

6) Creation

Contributors covered: Playwright, Book & Lyricist, Creator, Deviser, etc

A compelling and resonant piece—scripted, devised, or conceptual—that captures the contemporary moment. Its language, form, and structure are emotionally layered and rhythmically aligned, offering a powerful and cohesive narrative experience.

7) Industry & Inclusion

Contributors covered: Producer, Access Co-Ordinator, Outreach Co-Ordinator, Newcomer, Most Promising Creative, Casting Director

A production that sets a high bar for inclusive practice and sustained industry contributions: integrating accessibility, sustainability, community engagement, and support for emerging talent. Inclusion is embedded in the process, creating meaningful, long-lasting impact within and beyond the show. Industry contributions include debut performances alongside sustained commitments to a portfolio of work.

8) Innovation

Contributor covered: Any contributor who demonstrates a significant innovation with their field.

A daring and original work that reimagines what theatre can be. Whether through form, tech, or interactivity, it challenges convention with clarity and cohesion. A boundary-pushing, genre-defying experience that provokes and inspires.

⁠

Find out more about our new Areas of Exceptional Contribution ⁠

⁠